Revenge of the Jedi 1983 US Advance Undated Printers Proof, Drew Struzan

This is the kind of piece that makes even seasoned Star Wars collectors stop mid-sentence. An original 1983 printers proof for Revenge of the Jedi, the legendary working title for what would become Return of the Jedi, this extraordinary poster captures one of the most famous title changes in cinema history.

Before George Lucas softened the title from Revenge to Return, a small number of advance materials had already been produced. This undated printers proof is one of the rarest surviving examples, believed to be one of fewer than ten in existence. It is not just a Star Wars poster, but a piece of production history.

The design is pure early-80s space opera drama: Darth Vader looms in stark red and black, while Luke and Vader clash in a burst of cosmic light below. The proof format gives it an added rawness and desirability, with the printer’s colour bar still visible at the side, marking it out as something far beyond a standard release poster.

The artwork is by Drew Struzan, one of the great names in film poster art, whose work helped define the look of modern blockbuster cinema. From Star Wars and Indiana Jones to Back to the Future and countless cult classics, Struzan’s painterly, cinematic style has become part of the visual language of Hollywood itself.

Rare, electric and impossibly cool, this is a trophy piece for the serious Star Wars collector.

This vintage printers proof is sized 28 x 41 inches, it will be sent rolled (unframed).

• Year: 1983
  
• Poster Type: US 1 Sheet Printers Proof
  
• Style: undated Advance
  
• Art By: Drew Struzan
  
• Rolled/Folded/Other: Rolled
  
• Condition: Near Mint
  
• Condition Details: Fantastic colours, little handling and very little edge wear, very light spotting in places. Looks amazing.